Change in status of State Street could block future cell towers

The dispute over putting a 23-foot cell phone tower in Riverside Park could lead to a change in status for the far west end of State Street in La Crosse.

The Board of Public Works approved, Monday, a resolution to vacate the portion of State Street west of Front Street, which makes up the main entrance to the park.

The proposal would make that block of the street park property, instead of part of a public street. That would give the city more power over possible changes to the park entrance.

The resolution follows Verizon’s decision to install a cell tower close to the Eagle sculpture site. Because that block is currently part of a public street, the city could not stop the plan.

Chris Kahlow on the board, said the city would have more say over that entrance under the new plan.

A report on the proposal says the city would be able to regulate future towers in the park “without federal pre-emption,” which allows Verizon to go ahead with its tower.

The proposed pole would be designed to resemble a street lamp, like the one below.